I just found out, via a list-serv to which I subscribe, that Rand Knight, an actual ecologist is running for the U.S. Senate in Georgia. We have precious few scientists involved in political life and fewer ecologists. Note that I am not talking about political stance (which would be environmentalist), but rather about technical training. You can see more about Rand and his campaign here.
The frustration level -- often expressed on this site -- that many people feel about the current administration's disregard for reasoned policies about the environment (and associated human well-being) is nowhere greater than among professional ecologists who have dedicated their lives to understanding the Earth, or at least some part of it. It is indeed great news that an ecologist is running for U.S. Senate.
More below the fold.
The announcement I received read:
Rand Knight, most recently a post-doctoral associate with NEON, has just announced his candidacy for the US Senate seat currently held by Saxby Chambliss from Georgia.
The Senate Office of Archives and Public Records indicates that he is the first Ph.D. in Ecology/Environmental Science to run for US Senate. Rand Knight, most recently a post-doctoral associate with NEON [the National Ecological Observatory Network], has just announced his candidacy for the US Senate seat currently held by Saxby Chambliss from Georgia.
The Senate Office of Archives and Public Records indicates that he is the first Ph.D. in Ecology/Environmental Science to run for US Senate. Wouldn't it be a great day when an ESA President or staff from the Public Affairs Office are on "The Hill" giving testimony before one of our own.
I can think of several reasons that this news merits celebration. First, any time that someone who has taken education seriously -- and hence information and analytical thought seriously -- starts participating in our government, it's a breath of fresh air, particularly given the huge barn door through which the current administration has been pushing policies that reflect reason and information. Second, having someone who actually understands how human activities change the Earth system and can quickly digest new information as it becomes available is a tremendous asset in government given the speed with which we are changing the face of the planet. Third, scientists are not generally known for their political savvy (though not always for lack of trying), and if we're lucky Rand's entry into this race will provide a model for other ecologists.
At the risk of beating a dead horse, it is worth reflecting on the jubilant tone of that email announcement I quoted above, anticipating the opportunity for ecologists to explain this understanding to an elected official with similar technical training. Rand would be able to appreciate the thought and dedication required to produce ecological understanding, and the implications of that understanding. He would have an intuitive grasp for what uncertainty means to a scientist and what that uncertainty means for society.